Niger’s junta has confirmed that an oil pipeline transporting crude oil to Benin was damaged by rebels. The Patriotic Liberation Front, seeking the release of former President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted in a coup last July, claimed responsibility for the attack earlier this week.
The group has threatened further assaults on oil facilities and urged Chinese companies managing the pipeline to withdraw support for the military regime. This incident marks another setback for the newly operational 2,000km (1,243-mile) pipeline, exacerbating deteriorating relations between Niger and Benin.
State media reported that the “malicious individuals” responsible for the sabotage would be captured and prosecuted. Public prosecutor Ousmane Baydo, quoted by AFP, stated that authorities know the group behind the attack. Footage on state-run Tele Sahel showed extensive damage and an oil spill in Niger’s southern Zinder region.
The pipeline, officially launched at the end of last year, connects Niger’s Agadem oilfield to Benin’s coast, playing a crucial role for both economies. However, its future has been uncertain since last year’s coup, which led to regional sanctions against Niger. While Ecowas lifted these sanctions in February, allowing borders to reopen, Niger has kept its borders closed to goods from Benin, accusing its neighbor of hosting French forces aiming to destabilize Niger.
The junta, wary of France, has strengthened ties with Russia and expelled French troops. France denies having bases in Benin, attributing such claims to disinformation campaigns. Niger’s refusal to reopen the border led Benin to block Niger’s first oil exports.
China intervened to alleviate tensions, enabling Niger to export its first batch of crude via Benin in late May. However, tensions persisted. Earlier this month, five Niger nationals were arrested at a Beninese oil port for impersonation, and a second crude shipment was aborted. Three of the detained individuals, working for the Chinese oil firm managing the pipeline, received 18-month suspended sentences and were expelled to Niamey on Friday.
